When we ask others about the reason for getting married, we often
hear things like, “Because I love him,” “Because
he makes me feel special and important,” “Because he completes me,” or “Because I can’t
imagine my life without him.” All of
these are great reasons, and should be part of any marriage, but I’m learning
that there is an even deeper reason, one that often goes unrecognized.
That reason is because it brings God glory. Now we may have thought that, but pushed it
aside declaring it too lofty. But I
think we push it aside, because it is awkward and makes us feel uncomfortable.
Why? Because when we look at marriage through
the lens of God’s glory, we realize it isn’t as much about ourselves as we
thought, and what is marriage if it is not about us?
You see I’m learning that my marriage isn’t ultimately about
myself. Its purpose goes much deeper
than having my needs and desires met, and having someone to share life with. It is about God’s glory. Here’s how.
In my home are three kids, growing, learning, and
imitating. Do they see a good example of
what a Christian marriage is to be? Do
they see me being my husband’s suitable helper (Gen. 2:18)? Do they see the joy of fulfilling my role as
his helper? Do they see in my marriage what God will one day want them to have in their own? Do
they see what God wants them to live out for my grandchildren? Do they see God’s glory?
When I am in a group of women who are complaining about
their marriages, do my words about my marriage reflect the grace of God? Does my attitude reveal the love of the
Spirit (Gal. 5:22)? Do they see God’s
glory?
In public when I am speaking to my husband, and others can
hear, are my words respectful? Am I a
good representative of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:22-33)? Do they see God’s
glory?
On the mission field the people we will be serving will not
be Christians. They won’t know what it
means to have a Christian marriage. Will
they look at mine and see a difference? Will
they look at mine and see my Savior? Will
they look at my marriage and see something they want? Will they see God’s glory?
You see, my marriage isn’t so much about me. There are way too many people watching for me
to think so selfishly. There are way too
many people that have me under the microscope for me to look at my marriage only
for what I can get from it. There are way too many people, who will only see
Christ’s heart of love, service, and sacrifice by my portrayal of Him. There are way too many people watching our
marriage, for me to think, it’s only about me.
You see in every place, in every situation, my marriage is about
someone greater: God and His glory.
